2026/2027
Complete NURS 251 Module 9
Pharmacology Test Bank Review
and Quiz Practice Guide 2026/2027
Geneva College Nursing Exam
Success Series
Question 1
Why are nitrate-free periods every 24 hours necessary for patients on nitroglycerin
therapy?
A. To prevent rebound hypertension
B. To prevent drug accumulation toxicity
C. To inhibit the development of tolerance
D. To reduce renal elimination of the drug
Correct Answer: C. To inhibit the development of tolerance
Rationale: Continuous exposure to nitrates such as Nitroglycerin leads to reduced
receptor responsiveness over time, resulting in tolerance and decreased therapeutic
effectiveness. A daily nitrate-free interval helps restore sensitivity to the drug.
Options A and B are incorrect because nitrates do not primarily cause rebound
hypertension or toxic accumulation in this context. Option D is unrelated because
nitrate elimination is not the key issue.
Question 2
What does a low thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level indicate?
A. Hypothyroidism
B. Hyperthyroidism
C. Pituitary failure
D. Adrenal insufficiency
Correct Answer: B. Hyperthyroidism
Rationale: A low TSH indicates excessive circulating thyroid hormones suppressing
pituitary release, commonly seen in hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism would present
with elevated TSH. Pituitary failure typically causes low TSH with low thyroid
hormones, and adrenal insufficiency is unrelated.
,2026/2027
Question 3
What is the best initial pharmacologic treatment for a newly diagnosed patient with
low TSH?
A. Levothyroxine
B. Propanolol (Inderal)
C. Methimazole
D. Insulin
Correct Answer: B. Propanolol (Inderal)
Rationale: Propranolol is used initially to control symptoms of hyperthyroidism such
as tachycardia and tremors. It does not treat the underlying disease but provides rapid
symptom relief. Methimazole treats the cause but is not immediate symptomatic
control. Levothyroxine is for hypothyroidism, and insulin is unrelated.
Question 4
Spironolactone (Aldactone) is classified as what type of drug?
A. Loop diuretic
B. Aldosterone antagonist
C. Beta blocker
D. ACE inhibitor
Correct Answer: B. Aldosterone antagonist
Rationale: Spironolactone blocks aldosterone receptors, reducing sodium retention
and potassium loss. Loop diuretics act on the loop of Henle, beta blockers affect
cardiac output, and ACE inhibitors block angiotensin-converting enzyme.
Question 5
Heparin exerts its anticoagulant effect by:
A. Inhibiting platelet aggregation directly
B. Activating antithrombin III
C. Blocking vitamin K synthesis
D. Destroying fibrin clots
Correct Answer: B. Activating antithrombin III
Rationale: Heparin enhances the activity of antithrombin III, which inactivates
thrombin and other clotting factors. It does not directly dissolve clots or inhibit
vitamin K-dependent synthesis like warfarin.
, 2026/2027
Question 6
What happens during an anaphylactic reaction when the offending drug is
administered?
A. Bronchodilation occurs
B. Mast cells release histamine
C. Platelets decrease rapidly
D. Blood glucose rises
Correct Answer: B. Mast cells release histamine
Rationale: Anaphylaxis involves IgE-mediated mast cell degranulation releasing
histamine, leading to vasodilation and bronchoconstriction. The other options are not
primary mechanisms.
Question 7
Which is considered systemic therapy for psoriasis?
A. Phototherapy and topical corticosteroids
B. Oral antibiotics only
C. Antivirals
D. Antihistamines
Correct Answer: A. Phototherapy and topical corticosteroids
Rationale: Phototherapy and corticosteroids are commonly used for moderate to
severe psoriasis. Antibiotics and antivirals are not primary treatments.
Question 8
First-line drug therapy for stage I hypertension is:
A. ACE inhibitors
B. Beta blockers
C. Thiazide diuretics
D. Calcium channel blockers
Correct Answer: C. Thiazide diuretics
Rationale: Thiazides reduce blood volume and are first-line for uncomplicated
hypertension. ACE inhibitors and others are used depending on comorbidities.
Question 9
Complete NURS 251 Module 9
Pharmacology Test Bank Review
and Quiz Practice Guide 2026/2027
Geneva College Nursing Exam
Success Series
Question 1
Why are nitrate-free periods every 24 hours necessary for patients on nitroglycerin
therapy?
A. To prevent rebound hypertension
B. To prevent drug accumulation toxicity
C. To inhibit the development of tolerance
D. To reduce renal elimination of the drug
Correct Answer: C. To inhibit the development of tolerance
Rationale: Continuous exposure to nitrates such as Nitroglycerin leads to reduced
receptor responsiveness over time, resulting in tolerance and decreased therapeutic
effectiveness. A daily nitrate-free interval helps restore sensitivity to the drug.
Options A and B are incorrect because nitrates do not primarily cause rebound
hypertension or toxic accumulation in this context. Option D is unrelated because
nitrate elimination is not the key issue.
Question 2
What does a low thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level indicate?
A. Hypothyroidism
B. Hyperthyroidism
C. Pituitary failure
D. Adrenal insufficiency
Correct Answer: B. Hyperthyroidism
Rationale: A low TSH indicates excessive circulating thyroid hormones suppressing
pituitary release, commonly seen in hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism would present
with elevated TSH. Pituitary failure typically causes low TSH with low thyroid
hormones, and adrenal insufficiency is unrelated.
,2026/2027
Question 3
What is the best initial pharmacologic treatment for a newly diagnosed patient with
low TSH?
A. Levothyroxine
B. Propanolol (Inderal)
C. Methimazole
D. Insulin
Correct Answer: B. Propanolol (Inderal)
Rationale: Propranolol is used initially to control symptoms of hyperthyroidism such
as tachycardia and tremors. It does not treat the underlying disease but provides rapid
symptom relief. Methimazole treats the cause but is not immediate symptomatic
control. Levothyroxine is for hypothyroidism, and insulin is unrelated.
Question 4
Spironolactone (Aldactone) is classified as what type of drug?
A. Loop diuretic
B. Aldosterone antagonist
C. Beta blocker
D. ACE inhibitor
Correct Answer: B. Aldosterone antagonist
Rationale: Spironolactone blocks aldosterone receptors, reducing sodium retention
and potassium loss. Loop diuretics act on the loop of Henle, beta blockers affect
cardiac output, and ACE inhibitors block angiotensin-converting enzyme.
Question 5
Heparin exerts its anticoagulant effect by:
A. Inhibiting platelet aggregation directly
B. Activating antithrombin III
C. Blocking vitamin K synthesis
D. Destroying fibrin clots
Correct Answer: B. Activating antithrombin III
Rationale: Heparin enhances the activity of antithrombin III, which inactivates
thrombin and other clotting factors. It does not directly dissolve clots or inhibit
vitamin K-dependent synthesis like warfarin.
, 2026/2027
Question 6
What happens during an anaphylactic reaction when the offending drug is
administered?
A. Bronchodilation occurs
B. Mast cells release histamine
C. Platelets decrease rapidly
D. Blood glucose rises
Correct Answer: B. Mast cells release histamine
Rationale: Anaphylaxis involves IgE-mediated mast cell degranulation releasing
histamine, leading to vasodilation and bronchoconstriction. The other options are not
primary mechanisms.
Question 7
Which is considered systemic therapy for psoriasis?
A. Phototherapy and topical corticosteroids
B. Oral antibiotics only
C. Antivirals
D. Antihistamines
Correct Answer: A. Phototherapy and topical corticosteroids
Rationale: Phototherapy and corticosteroids are commonly used for moderate to
severe psoriasis. Antibiotics and antivirals are not primary treatments.
Question 8
First-line drug therapy for stage I hypertension is:
A. ACE inhibitors
B. Beta blockers
C. Thiazide diuretics
D. Calcium channel blockers
Correct Answer: C. Thiazide diuretics
Rationale: Thiazides reduce blood volume and are first-line for uncomplicated
hypertension. ACE inhibitors and others are used depending on comorbidities.
Question 9
